If you use a thermometer to cook food, it is important to calibrate it regularly. Calibrating your thermometer means setting the temperature at which the scale reads 100 degrees Fahrenheit. This can be done by using a known temperature, such as 72 degrees Fahrenheit, and adjusting the thermometer according to the results. Remember to do this before each cooking session so you always have accurate readings.
The Hot Water Test
When you place a thermometer into a pot of boiling water, you’ll need to wait for it to reach a boiling-level bubble. Proceed to immerse the probe of the thermometer in the bubbling water. Hold the reader in your hands for 2 to 3 minutes. If the thermometer reads 212 degrees F (100 degrees C), it is ready to be used.
The Ice Water Test
This test is comparable to the one described above, but it contains all the water you would have used for the boiling-test option. That’s why it’s a great safety precaution if you don’t need a boiling pot of water sitting in your kitchen. Fill a large glass or measuring cup with ice, then pour in a second quantity of water, and stop stirring vigorously with a spoon once you have mixed the contents. Next, stick your thermometer into the middle so the tip of the probe is submerged.
How to Calibrate a Food Thermometer
- Determine the boiling point in your area: The boiling point of water varies with altitude, meaning different regions have different boiling point temperatures. Before you calibrate your thermometer, research the boiling point of water for your area.
- Boil the water: Fill a small pot with water and set it on high heat on the stove, allowing the water to come to a rolling boil, which is when large bubbles begin quickly rising to the top of the liquid.
- Insert the thermometer: Submerge the thermometer stem into the boiling water. Avoid letting the bottom of the thermometer touch the pot, which can throw off the calibration.
- Read the thermometer: Review the numbers on the food thermometer, which should match the boiling point of water for your region. If the food thermometer reading is off, adjust it so it reflects the boiling point of water. To adjust digital thermometers, simply press the reset button. For dial or analog thermometers, turn the screw or calibration nut on the side of the tool until it reads the right temperature.
In conclusion, calibrating your thermometer is an important step to ensuring that your food is cooked evenly and at the correct temperature. It is a quick and easy process that only takes a few minutes. By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your food will be cooked perfectly every time.